Amritsar, Punjab: Nanakshahi Calendar row has clouded the aspirations of some of the Sikh devotees to observe martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Ji at the place of his martyrdom in Lahore as the Pakistan High Commission has denied visas to SGPC Jatha. SGPC had applied for visa for a Jatha, comprising around 150 Sikhs to visit Lahore (Pakistan) to commemorate the martyrdom day of 5th Sikh Guru Arjan Ji as per amended version of Nanakshahi Calendar.
The Jatha was denied visas in wake of differences over the date of observing the martyrdom day, with SGPC officials wanting the visa for Sikh pilgrims on May 22, while Pakistan said it would grant visa for June 16 when Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee observes the anniversary. SGPC is following the amended version of Nanakshahi Calendar while the PSGC follows original (unamended) version of Nanakshahi Calendar.
Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore (Pakistan)
“We wanted the visa for Sikh pilgrims to visit Pakistan on May 22 when SGPC is observing the martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev, while Pakistan government said they are observing the day on June 16 and could grant visa only for that day” said Avtar Singh Makkar.
“We would celebrate the day as per our Sikh traditions and not as per Pakistan. This is interference in the internal affairs of Sikhs” he added.
Pakistan High Commission sources said the mission has not denied the visas but the dates given to them by the PSGP is between June 8 to 17 and they can only issue visa for that period.
Meanwhile, SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar has asked